Cocktail bar in Falmouth struggling as too many people think it's closed

Helen Johnson, owner of Java coffee and cocktail place in Events Square, Falmouth
-Credit: (Image: Helen Johnson)


The owner of a coffee and cocktails bar is worried she might have to shut down as too many people think her business is closed. Helen Johnson took over the leasehold of the former Lawrance's Bakery & Bar on Events Square in Falmouth in May after the company announced it would cease trading.

In the spring Lawrance's Bakery & Bar said it would be closing the doors to its New Bridge Street outlet in Truro on June 2 and would also look to wind down their other bakery on Little Castle Street, also in Truro.

At the time, owners Phil Lawrance and Lucy Curnow said the site's lease was coming to an end. They also said that the bakery in Falmouth had been sold and a 'smooth transition' with the new owner would follow.

READ MORE:'Tasteful' Cornwall restaurant is among the 'best' if you want to dine alone

READ MORE:Cornwall planning: Neighbours object over bid for care home for a single child in residential street

Mum of two Helen, who lives in Camborne, said she decided to take over the bakery/cocktail bar model and put her personal touch to it. Now called java, the venue has been struggling, which she feels is down to many customers thinking her business is shut.

"I took over the leasehold of Lawrance's in Falmouth in May. I turned it around quickly to get it ready. The summer wasn't a great one for anybody. You'd think it'd be busy, but apart from the Shanty Festival in June, it seems to be really quiet. Events Square doesn't hold any events any more."

Sign up to receive daily updates and breaking news alerts from CornwallLive straight to your inbox

Helen said that when she acquired the business she thought there would have been more 'goodwill' from the previous owners. She said that for Lawrance's to post they had closed without telling their customers that Java would take over damaged her business before it had even started.

"When they said they'd closed, a lot of customers found a new favourite cafe," Helen said. "Only last week I had someone in say they thought we were shut.

"At the moment, I'm struggling even to cover the costs. Which is a shame as it's a lovely location and it seemed to work before. We're still doing the same thing. Coffee and cakes during the day and cocktails on certain evenings. We're gaining some regulars but it would have been better if they had not said they're closed for good but perhaps said I had taken over."

⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️